EOS 500D (Rebel T1i)

Updates and News

Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i DSLR

500D Features:

• 15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Full HD movie recording with HDMI connection for viewing and playback on an HDTV
• ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
• 3.4 frames per second continuous shooting
• Max. 170 large JPEG images in a single burst
• 3.0” ClearView LCD with Live View mode
• 9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point
• High speed DIGIC 4 performance and superb image quality
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Full compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites, including new Speedlite 270EX, TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II
• SD Card

Other announcement info

• Photoscala (German)
• Pre Announcement info (our 500D ‘rumours’ – back to Aug 2007, where we said Digic IV and 12800 ISO ;-)

Previews – as we find them

• Imaging Resource (inc Hi ISO samples)
• DPR – preview
• Rob Galbraith – preview
• Gizmodo Hands on Preview
• DCI – preview with sample images
• EPZ / CNET (vid) / PL (vid)
• DiM / DPP

Full reviews/comparisons

• Engadget / Quesabesde (in Spanish – Google translation)
• DPI
• BJP [brief]/PCP /Best
• TDP / CNET
• > DPR /ISO comparison @PB

500D News/reviews/information

Latest updates marked >

• Release info UK / EU / US / Aus
• Technology [Canon – PDF]
• Specifications
  [450D specs for comparison]
• Canon US Hi-res images of camera
• 270ex Flash / DPP V3.6.1
• T1i/500D Owner’s Manual (PDF)
• Firmware update to V1.1.0

Sample Images

• Canon UK / Canon EU
• ImResource / DPR / More DPR /WDC

Video

• Rob Galbraith – preview (inc Video clips)
• Assorted YouTube items

500D Latest News and updates

2010 February

23rd Firmware update.
This firmware corrects a phenomenon that may occur intermittently when Live View shooting is activated and the mirror does not position itself properly. As a result, the Live View image does not appear on the LCD monitor.

2009 June

9th Some comparisons of low light performance at PB
8th Full review at DPReview

May

23rd Good detailed evaluation at TDP
13th Reviews have been a bit slower coming that I’d expected, but DPI have put up a a good long review.
Compare this with the three shorter ‘reviews’ in our updated list above, and you’ll see the difference between one by someone who has really had a good test of the camera, and those reviews that are more, shall we say, ‘inspired’ by press info packs.
I write quite a lot of reviews for this site and can spot where ready access to manufacturers’ press kits has eased the job of the ‘review’ writer ;-)
4th A useful comparison between the 500D/T1i and the new Nikon D5000 at Engadget.
They come down for the 500D, including some telling remarks about the real world utility of the tilt out screen on the D5000.
There is a good comparison of the 500D/T1i, Olympus E620 and Nikon D5000 at Quesabesde (in Spanish – Google translation)
> Reviews links and sample images above updated

April

23rd Park Cameras (UK) tell us that they have the 500D body and kits in stock.
18th DPP gets updated to 3.6.1 [Canon] for 500D
17th We’re told (thanks) that Jessops in the UK are saying that the 500D will be available next week (21st), whilst other comments are saying it wont be until next month.
9th No sign of deliveries yet. Amazon.co.uk are saying that the 500D is due to be released on May 5th

2009 March 29th > Reviews updated

What’s different from the 450D? – some key differences

15MP sensor – similar, but not the same as the 50D (slower readout for one thing)
Video – 1080p, but only at 20 FPS
Anti reflection coated display
Digic IV – menu layout similar to 50D/5D2
Auto lighting optimiser – now adjustable
Quick control setting mode
ISO to 12800
Variable high ISO noise setting adjustment
Face detect in Liveview
Peripheral Illumination Correction – brighten the corners of images to correct for lens vignetting
Sensors under viewfinder to blank screen when the camera is raised to the eye.
25th
The 500d/ Rebel T1i is announced.

EOS 500D (body only) is available from early May 2009 at £870 / €1000.
EOS 500D EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Kit is available from early May 2009 at £970 / €1140.
EOS 500D EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Kit is available from early May 2009 at £1400 / €1640.
EOS Rebel T1i – early May, body-only estimated retail price of $800
Kit version with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $900

We’ll continue to update the page as we find the latest information.

Cutaway view

A new Flash too

The new Canon Speedlite 270EX, the successor to the 220EX Speedlite model.

A compact, lightweight external flash option for Canon cameras including select Canon PowerShot models.

The new Speedlite 270EX uses only two AA batteries and enables bounce flash shooting with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.

Like Canon’s high-end Speedlite flash models, the 270EX allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitor.

The flash also features a quick-lock mechanism and a metal mounting foot for secure and easy attachment and reliable contact.

Speedlite 270EX is available from early May 2009 priced at £149.99 / €169.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Key Features include:

High power flash with a maximum guide number 27 m
Fast, silent recycle times
Manual flash output (settable via camera menus)
Speedlite controllable with compatible camera’s menu
Zoom head
Bounce flash head

270 ex Specifications

Rebel T1i / 500D Specifications

500D Press Info – UK

Fast processing, fast focusing
Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor drives continuous shooting speeds of up to 3.4 fps in bursts of up to 170 JPEGs . Using Canon’s wide area AF system – which features 9 individual sensors, including a central cross type point with a high precision sensor for f/2.8 or faster lenses– makes capturing split-second action sequences possible.

DIGIC 4 works in conjunction with the CMOS sensor to deliver exceptional noise reduction and 14-bit image processing for smooth gradation of tones and natural-looking colours. In addition, DIGIC 4 enables the ultra-fast start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting that photographers demand.

Distinctive EOS quality
Despite its compact, lightweight body, the EOS 500D includes all the hallmarks of the EOS system. Every detail of the EOS 500D – from the large, bright viewfinder to the famously intuitive EOS menu system – is designed to provide users with a world-class shooting experience.

Image quality is protected by the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which reduces, repels and removes unwanted dust from the sensor. Stubborn particles can be easily removed in post-production by using Dust Delete Data – which can be added to the image in-camera – and Canon’s included Digital Photo Professional software.

Digital Photo Professional software offers a comprehensive RAW editing package, with functions such as a quick check tool, a cropping tool, and a stamp tool – plus the ability to change brightness, White Balance and Picture Styles in RAW images. The software suite is included with EOS Utility and Picture Style editor for unrivalled versatility.

Compatibility with the full range of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites – including the exceptionally compact, powerful new Speedlite 270EX, which features a bounce and zoom head, plus fast recharging from just 2 AA sized batteries – allows the creation of a shooting system as unique as the photographer using it.

“The EOS 500D pushes the boundaries of what photographers can demand from their cameras, combining exceptional images with full HD video,” said Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Photography enthusiasts can now capture their most significant moments in a manner that matches their creativity.”
Any Canon photographer can register for the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY service, which allows access to the latest EOS information, useful updates and exclusive EOS content – plus tools that allow users to create their own video podcasts and store images online.

Pricing and availability:
The EOS 500D (body only) is available from early May 2009 priced at £869.99 / €999.99 RRP inc. VAT.

The EOS 500D EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Kit is available from early May 2009 priced at £969.99 / €1139.99 RRP inc. VAT.

The EOS 500D EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Kit is available from early May 2009 priced at £1399.99 / €1639.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Features at a glance:

15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Full HD movie recording with HDMI connection for viewing and playback on an HDTV
ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
3.4 frames per second continuous shooting
Max. 170 large JPEG images in a single burst
3.0” ClearView LCD with Live View mode
9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point
High speed DIGIC 4 performance and superb image quality
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Full compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites, including the new Speedlite 270EX and two new tilt and shift lenses TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II

500D Press Info – Europe

DIGIC 4 works in conjunction with the CMOS sensor to deliver exceptional noise reduction and 14-bit image processing for smooth gradation of tones and natural-looking colours. In addition, DIGIC 4 enables the ultra-fast start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting that photographers demand.

Distinctive EOS quality
Despite its compact, lightweight body, the EOS 500D includes all the hallmarks of the EOS system. Every detail of the EOS 500D – from the large, bright viewfinder to the famously intuitive EOS menu system – is designed to provide users with a world-class shooting experience.

Image quality is protected by the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which reduces, repels and removes unwanted dust from the sensor. Stubborn particles can be easily removed in post-production by using Dust Delete Data – which can be added to the image in-camera – and Canon’s included Digital Photo Professional software.

Digital Photo Professional software offers a comprehensive RAW editing package, with functions such as a quick check tool, a cropping tool, and a stamp tool – plus the ability to change brightness, White Balance and Picture Styles in RAW images. The software suite is included with EOS Utility and Picture Style editor for unrivalled versatility.

Compatibility with the full range of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites – including the exceptionally compact, powerful new Speedlite 270EX, which features a bounce and zoom head, plus fast recharging from just 2 AA sized
batteries – allows the creation of a shooting system as unique as the photographer using it.
“The EOS 500D pushes the boundaries of what photographers can demand from their cameras, combining exceptional images with full HD video,” said Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “Photography enthusiasts can now capture their most significant moments in a manner that matches their creativity.”

Any Canon photographer can register for the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY service, which allows access to the latest EOS information, useful updates and exclusive EOS content – plus tools that allow users to create their own video podcasts and store images online.
Features at a glance:

15.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Full HD movie recording with HDMI connection for viewing and playback on an HDTV
ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12800)
3.4 frames per second continuous shooting
Max. 170 large JPEG images in a single burst
3.0” ClearView LCD with Live View mode
9-point wide area AF with cross type centre point
High speed DIGIC 4 performance and superb image quality
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Full compatibility with Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites, including new Speedlite 270EX, TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II

Technologies Explained:

CMOS
Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.

Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting signal to the image processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.

DIGIC
Image data captured by the CMOS sensor is processed by Canon’s purpose-built DIGIC image processors before being written to the camera’s memory card. DIGIC technology uses advanced image processing algorithms to ensure precise, natural colours, accurate white balance, and advanced noise reduction. Ultra-fast processing speeds result in highly responsive camera operation and near-instant start-up times.

DIGIC chips work with a high speed image buffer – reading, processing, compressing and writing image data fast enough to keep the buffer clear during long continuous shooting bursts. And because DIGIC integrates all key processing functions, power consumption is kept to a minimum.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.

Reduce – Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself.
Repel – Anti-static technologies, including a special fluorine coating, are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.
Remove – A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.
Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software.

Clear View LCD
Canon’s Clear View LCD screens are 3.0” in diameter and feature a VGA (640×480) pixel resolution with 920,000 dots. This allows high-quality viewing of images and ultra-accurate focus checks in playback. Thanks to a wide 170º angle-of-view, a Clear View LCD can be viewed in a wide range of environments with ghosting and reflections being eliminated thanks to Canon’s unique dual layer anti reflective coating. This combination of features enables photographers to enjoy shooting from awkward angles.

Full HD
Thanks to the combination of a Canon CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 processing, Canon is able to offer Full HD resolution movie recording in a digital SLR camera. An HDMI connection provides the ability to play back movies directly on any HDTV in high quality HD resolution. Canon’s Full HD products feature the same maximum resolution available for HDTV’s (1920×1080 pixels), ensuring outstanding clarity. Full HD exceeds the quality found in HD ready (720) resolution devices.

Picture Style
Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style presets applied to a RAW image can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.

The six pre-sets are:

Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing
Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones
Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines
Neutral – ideal for post-processing
Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K
Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green).
Software

Digital Photo Professional Software
Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation, noise reduction and colour tone – plus the ability to view Auto Focus points on an image.

Recently added functions to Digital Photo Professional include a Peripheral Illumination Correction tool, which reduces the darkening that can occur in the corners of images shot with certain lenses. The Lens Aberration correction tool allows precise correction of different types of distortion caused by certain cameras. Users can also control the highlights and shadows within an image, reducing the problem of ‘clipped’ areas where detail is lost.

Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, colourMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces. ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a recipe and applied.

EOS Utility
The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for Live View remote shooting, camera configuration and image transfers. Tightly integrated with Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system. Users can also tag their images with EXIF data, including copyright information.

Picture Style Editor
Picture Style Editor allows users to create individual Picture Styles that fit with their personal requirements. Each Picture Style contains detailed information on how specific colours should be represented within an image. Once new Picture Styles have been created, they can be uploaded directly into the camera and applied to JPEG or RAW images. When working with RAW files in DPP, both personal Picture Styles and the 6 predetermined Picture Styles can all be adjusted.

ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser
For extra-easy review, editing and management of JPEG files, two pieces of software are included: ZoomBrowser for PC, and ImageBrowser for Mac.

Both programs feature a MovieEdit function plug-in, which supports the .MOV clips recorded by the EOS 500D and EOS 5D Mark II. Users can use this to perform basic editing tasks, including creating and exporting clips which combine movie files and JPEGs.

*A built-in HDMI connection allows easy and instant review of images and movie clips on any compatible HDTV.
**Figure may vary depending on capacity of SD card used

Rebel T1i Press Info – US

Release info Australia

Like other Canon DSLR models, the EOS 500D features Live View shooting for greater flexibility and creative composition. This technology makes it easy to compose and shoot images on the 3.0-inch LCD screen, without ever having to bring the camera to your eye.

In another first for Canon entry-level EOS cameras, the 500D features live Face Detection mode in Live View shooting. By distinguishing human faces in each shot and adjusting the focus and exposure accordingly, Live Face Detection allows photographers to ensure their subjects are captured clearly and accurately.

To further add to the 500D’s intuitive shooting capability, the camera incorporates automatic image correction tools (Auto Lighting Optimiser and Peripheral Illumination Correction) to ensure even first-time users can take professional-quality shots the first time round.

Movies and stills can be viewed easily on the camera’s large LCD screen, which incorporates an anti-reflection and anti-smudging coating to ensure reviewing photos is both clear and accurate.

Impressive image quality
Exceptional clarity, razor-sharp images, natural colours and perfect tones are all the hallmarks of Canon’s unique CMOS sensor technology. The EOS 500D incorporates a 15.1 megapixel sensor (highest resolution in class) and combined with the imaging performance and super-fast speed of the DiG!C 4 image processor, makes this the perfect camera for creative photography fun.

New Canon speedlite accessory
Canon has also launched a new compact and lightweight speedlite for entry-level users who want to get more creative with their photography.

Replacing the 220EX, the 270EX speedlite features a new bounce-flash capability to enable natural flash photography and can be used on all EOS DSLR cameras as well as some high-end compact cameras.

The 270EX speedlite (RRP $TBC) will be available from May through Canon dealers nationally.

Pricing and Availability in Australia
The EOS 500D body will be available in Body Only, Single IS Kit (with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS), Twin IS kit (with EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS), Enthusiast Kit (with EF-17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM) and Premium kit (with EF-S18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS). All RRPs TBC. These kits will all be available from May 2009 through Canon dealers nationally. For more information customers can contact Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit the website at canon.com.au.

Pricing and Availability in the US

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i Digital SLR Camera is scheduled for delivery by early May and will be sold in a body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty at an estimated retail price of $799.99. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $899.99.

Pre announcement rumours/information

More on the CNET video with this, part of a screen grab of the top dial that was just sent to us (thanks)

Link to another pic from CNET – no camera in pic though!

24th How about a T1i? 15MP and video DPR

“It’s in between 50D and XSi. It has the same size sensor as the 50D, 15MP. It has creative auto mode. Same body as the XSi. It has a video mode. 720p at 30 frames/sec and 1080p and 20 frames/sec”

A comment on DPR suggests it’s real – HD video, 15MP, articulating screen.

A picture appears at the the Danish site Zoom. Is this the 500D? Note the screen at the side

Well, that picture on the side – it’s the one in the invite to tomorrow’s event [General rumours page].

Mostly quiet on whatever Canon are announcing tomorrow – some still say a range of copiers…
A lengthy DPR thread to relieve the wait :-)

19th A whole string of 500D rumours out there, but unfortunately most are all just recounting the same recycled material…

For a prime source of recycling see GM

However at 1k1 they are saying that it will be:

15MP sensor
full high definition video recording
ISO 12800
DiGiC IV
900k dots LCD

11th We’re told that it’s the new xxxD (500D being best guess) that will be announced on the 25th. Whilst the last specs we were sent only pointed to the same 15MP as the 50D, over at CR they seem confident that it’s

15.1MP
1.6 crop
3.5FPS
100-3200 ISO
3 inch VGA LCD
DIGIC IV
9 Point AF (inc. Face Detection for AF)
LP-E5 Battery
LiveView, Movie Mode w/contrast detect AF

7th We’ve had several comments about a new EOS camera on the 25th, and although one suggestion is for a 16MP FF 1D4, others say that it’s a ‘small’ camera and the 500D that many were expecting at PMA might fit the bill…

February 28th From our main rumours page

500D is moved to August 2009. Specs unchanged (movie mode etc.) but now much more likely to get a 15MP sensor.

26th We’re told (thanks) that the 400D is still listed at Canon Australia

It vanished from the UK Canon site a while ago.

25th Will the 500D appear in June? The 23rd is a date suggested at CR – along with a 30mm f/2 EFS prime

21st A suggestion that an XSTi is a competion prize [CR] typo?

18th No news of any new SLRs as of yet.

The two new TS-E lenses (17mm and 24mm) are hardly aimed at the typical xxxD market. Maybe this time, the economic climate has pushed any releases back to later in the year?

10th Canon have a UK press ‘event’ next week (Weds. 18th) in London to show off the ‘Canon Spring Collection 2009’

9th We’ve had a comment that there is a new ‘low-end’ DSLR being announced next week from Canon – likely a 500D (aka ‘Rebel’ for markets where long numbers are perceived as too difficult to remember ;-) )

See also [CR]

2009 January 29th A comment [POTN] via a Canon Rep suggests a ‘new Mk3’ and a ‘rebel with video’

27th A major UK dealer has removed the 400D from their web listings, saying “we are no longer stocking it”

It’s also no longer listed on the Canon UK site.

24th With prices generally rising, it’s even more of note that the price of the 400D continues to drop in the UK – now down to £269, or less than the 1000D.

20th Is the 500D being pushed back to the autumn? [CR] Economic conditions not suitable? Well the 450 is just over a year old, so perhaps now is the time to move back to an 18 month cycle. The record strength of the Yen doesn’t help a Japanese company wanting to launch competitive new products worldwide.

7th It would not be unreasonable to assume that when the 500D comes out, the 450D (launched Jan 2008)will be moved down the order to take the current place of the 400D (launched August 2006) – as such, I’ve noted a drop in the UK price to £274 [CPB]

2009 January 6th How about the Jan 28th for an announcement? [DPR] [CR]

2008 November 16th How about a Rebel TSi/500D ? More from CR – 15MP, 3200 max ISO, Digic IV, 3″ VGA LCD, 3FPS, 9 point AF – movie mode, but without AF. Due 24th Feb. See also POTN

The 500D is widely expected to use the 15MP 50D sensor, which would suggest a maximum ISO of higher than 3200. With the 5D Mk2, Canon have shown that they are not afraid to migrate features from a higher end model, so maybe all the way to 12,800. Video seems a certainty, but exactly what features are left out would depend on marketing and probably the state of the economy…

PMA is later next year (March 3-5 in Vegas) – there are, as ever, a whole lot of other thing on

Pro Photography – March 1-4: “The ultimate collection of educational and hands-on sessions for professional photographers.
DIMA 2009 – March 1-4: The “trail-blazing event” at PMA 09, DIMA explores emerging tech trends
PIEA 2009 – March 1-4: PIEA encourages teachers at al levels to inspire the next generation of photographers
PSPA 2009 – March 2-4: Through strategies and planning, the PSPA conference focuses on meeting the customers’ needs.
SPAA 2009 – March 2-4: Professionalism and sports photography are in focus at SPAA.
PPFA 2009 – March 3-5: Enhance your custom framing skills and your business practices at PPFA.
PSRO 2009 – March 3-5: Bridging scrapbook retailers and supplies together to help consumers preserve treasured memories, PSRO provides insight into the memories market.

Lots to see…

I had been wondering about going, but seeing that PSRO is on, I’m keen to get more ‘insight into the memories market’ ;-) Expect too, the usual round of largely spurious awards – more often based on who’s turn it is to win something than any technical advances or great products ;-)

October 16th On CR, a potential announcement date for new Canon stuff – Feb 10th for replacements for the 1D3, 450D (Rebel XSi) and 1000D (Rebel XS) and two lenses (not the 35L since that’s for the 1Ds4 in the Summer

2008 September 24th After a burst of activitiy surrounding the 50D and 5D2 releases, the attention has moved to the 450D replacement.

Some specs [CR]

15MP
DIGIC 4
3″ VGA LCD
3.5 fps
100-3200 ISO
9 point AF
SD Card
Liveview (with contrast AF)
HDMI Out
Movie Mode (With a form of AF?)

July 30th With the 1000D listed at £400, the 450D at £415, the 40D at £600, 5D at £1200, 1D3 at £2400 and 1Ds3 at £4700 there seems to be a fair bit of bunching at the bottom end.

I suspect the 1000D will be at £350 by the Autumn

450D and 1000D should get a refresh next year, although they could move to a 12 month cycle or stick to 18 months.

May 14th

An EOS1000D/ Rebel XS is mentioned inside the latest release of DPP

2008 January 31st

So now we have a 12MP 450D, what’s next in the numbering scheme?

We’ll go for the EOS 500D

If you look through previous Canon release strategies you’ll notice that all new stuff tends to get announced on the same day some time Jan/Feb or Aug/Sept

Best bet… August 2009

However, we were told last year that Canon might be moving to a yearly update cycle with the XXXD ‘Rebel’ range, in which case, perhaps a 470D at next year’s PMA?

And yes, there is a 500D (or whatever) thread on DPR :-)

Enough of this – go out and take more photos!

August 2007

Will the 500D cure the persistent problems of the 450D – the ones discussed on some forums, from the very day it first shipped :-)

Will it include Digic 4 – will it finally move to a bigger sensor? What about in body IS?

I’m sure that this and more will find a home here, over the next couple of years :-)

Our most recent info (originally on our 1Ds3 page) about Canon’s plans over the next few years was sent in August 2007 (shortly before the 40D was announced)

Sensor technology – Canon have mentioned that full frame sensor chips need two stepper passes. Sony now has the technology to do this in one pass and are preparing their own sensors and selling to them Nikon. However, Canon have a new ‘one pass’ technology too. What’s more, it can do even larger than 35mm (36x24mm) in a single pass.
Canon is very excited about a next generation CMOS sensors they are working on. Two full frame versions have 40M and 50M pixels at the -same- noise level as the current 1D series. Low power supply voltages give cooler chips and lower noise even with smaller pixels. Different circuit fabrication techniques also promise to make close to 100% of the sensor area active pixels. This technology won’t make any of the upcoming models, but is expected in 2009/10.

The competition – Canon were somewhat shocked by the success of the Nikon D80, D40 and D40X. Hence the ‘improved’ 40D and the improved 400D replacement in the works. Canon know what Nikon have coming (D300 and D3) and have planned the 40D, 1Ds III and 1D III as their answers.
However Nikon is moving to CMOS sensors to over the next couple of years. Sony are moving CMOS to a near full frame (1.25 or so) and full (35mm) FF, so Canon is getting serious and starting to plan some aggressive upgrades.
Sony worries Canon somewhat, since with their manufacturing capabilities, they could move the whole price base down for SLRs. So far they haven’t and their lens prices and range are not a worry for Canon. The current Sony Alpha has been less than astounding in the market.
Moreover, Nikon have the camera credibility and certainly won’t stop with the D3 and D300. Their plans for the lower end (D40-D80 as well) are to replace them in much shorter timeframes than their previous 3-4 years. Nikon have moved emphasis from the low end ‘point and shoot’ digital into R&D on the DLSRs. They’ve found this to be 3-4 times as profitable (note Nikon’s record profits over last 12 months). Nikon is more than happy with trouncing Canon for the last 12 months in Japan (not so world wide). So the next 2-3 years will see a major DSLR feature ‘war’.

IS Technology – This is being introduced in some of their consumer grade lenses. The technology has matured to the point that it can be added at only a small price premium. It gives product differentiation – a reaction to Sony and keeps them ahead of Nikon.

Digic IV – Digic III just won’t cut it for the new high density sensors. Digic IV can deal with with the transfer rates for higher bit per pixel images. One Digic IV chip beats the two Digic III in the 1D3.

16 bit RAW – Canon’s target for their next generation of sensors is 16 bits per channel giving true HD quality. They are also looking at processing formats to retain that extra definition.

ISO sensitivity – Canon see their next generation lower voltage CMOS as easily doing ISO6400, with a boost to 12800.

Brief review of 450D specs for comparison